Mrs. Aishah Ahmad joins The Graça Machel Trust

The Graça Machel Trust is pleased to announce Mrs. Aishah N. Ahmad, CFA, OFR,former Deputy Governor (Financial System Stability) of the Central Bank of Nigeria, as the new Chair of the Expert Leaders’ Group (ELG).

The ELG is a pan-African network of primarily female central bank governors, deputy governors, financial regulators, and senior industry executives. Established by the Trust to advance women’s participation at multiple levels of financial systems, the ELG provides a platform for influence, collaboration, and systemic reform across the continent.

Mrs. Graça Machel, Founder and Chair of the Trust, said: “Women do not lack talent or ambition. Too often they lack access to resources and a seat at the tables where financial decisions are made. With Mrs. Aishah N. Ahmad’s proven policy leadership, we will work with central banks, regulators and industry to open the system so that women can access capital, grow enterprises, and lead. I extend my deep appreciation to Dr Tukiya Kankasa-Mabula formal Deputy Governor, administration at the Bank of Zambia, whose principled stewardship has strengthened this work and the ELG, preparing the ELG for its next phase.”

A seasoned regulator and investment professional, Mrs. Ahmad brings extensive experience in financial sector governance, innovation, and inclusion. Commenting on her appointment, she said: “I am deeply honoured to serve as Chair of the Expert Leaders’ Group at such a crutial  time for women’s economic leadership in Africa. The Graça Machel Trust has built an extraordinary foundation,proving that when women’s voices are at the centre of policy, finance, and enterprise, nations prosper. Looking ahead, our focus will be on turning advocacy into measurable impact, deepening collaboration across the Trust’s networks, and ensuring that women’s leadership is recognised as essential to Africa’s growth story.”

Mrs. Ahmad succeeds Dr. Kankasa-Mabula, whose leadership and dedication helped strengthen the ELG’s foundations and guided its early growth across Africa’s financial landscape.

Reflecting on this work, Dr. Kankasa-Mabula said: “it has been a privilege to serve as the founding Chair of the Expert Leaders’ Group and help build what is becoming a strong and credible platform for women’s leadership and advancement. We also appreciate Ms Gail Makenete, Second Deputy Governor, Central Bank of Lesotho, for her year of convenorship and steadfast coordination in support of the ELG’s agenda. I am confident that under Mrs. Ahmad’s leadership, the ELG will continue to expand its influence and shape financial systems that enable women’s full economic participation.”

This transition marks the next chapter in the Graça Machel Trust’s enduring mission to advance women’s wealth, leadership, and legacy, ensuring that no country in Africa develops without the full participation of its women.